Hartford — A bill that would require at least one visit per week between brothers and sisters in the state's foster care system passed the state Senate Wednesday.

Proponents said the weekly visits would help preserve sibling relationships, an important source of emotional support.

"We are determined to keeping families intact," said Sen. Terry Gerratana, D-New Britain, who shares chairmanship of the legislature's Select Committee on Children with Rep. Diana Urban, D-North Stonington.

The state Department of Children and Families would transport the youths and facilitate the visits. To be eligible, the siblings must live within 50 miles of each other in Connecticut, and the visits must be deemed by the department as in the best interest of each sibling.

Due to financial constraints, the visits wouldn't begin until Oct. 1, 2014. The policy is expected to cost the state more than $100,000 a year and affect 35 youths.

An early version of the bill called for long-haul visits and air travel for siblings living in different states. Lawmakers rewrote the bill for in-state only visits after the initial price tag topped $3 million.

"I am very hopeful that we will pass this bill and be able to build families in the state of Connecticut instead of separating them," Urban said.

The bill is still subject to approval by the House.

j.reindl@theday.com